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May 7, 1941 - October 13, 2026
Melvin "Butch" Ray Dawson, 85, of Cheat Lake, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Ruby Memorial Hospital. Born May 7, 1941, in Morgantown, West Virginia, he was a son of the late Edward and Agnes Dawson.
A talented contractor by trade, Melvin spent many years working alongside his brother-in-law before joining Chico's Dairy, where he built and maintained Dairy Marts across West Virginia. He later channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into co-founding his own successful contracting company.
In 1961, Melvin married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Dawson, who preceded him in death.
While he had a deep appreciation for hunting, camping, classic cars and trucks, and taking long drives, his greatest joy was always his family, especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Melvin was preceded in death by his grandson, Shane Rotruck; his brother, James Dawson; and his sisters, Pauline Renforth, Agnes Gutta, and Martha Craft.
He leaves behind a legacy of love through his two daughters, Robin Rotruck, and Kelly Korzun and her husband Wayne; his son, Christopher Dawson and his wife Katie; his sister, JoAnn Kun; six grandchildren, Courtney Barnett (Jeremy), Aaron Rotruck (Hanna), Justin Rotruck (Addi), Corey Korzun (Lisa), Tristan Dawson, and Easton Dawson; and six cherished great-grandchildren, Piper, Sophie, Scarlett, Arthur, Clara, and Cullen.
At Melvin's explicit request, no services will be held.